Banana to banana connection vs banana to unterminated - difference?

bronxkid
bronxkid Posts: 21
edited October 2007 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I'm connecting my first audio system so I apologize if this is a silly question. Anyways, I'm connecting 2 polk rti8's and a csi5 to my onkyo 605 receiver. I was wondering if I use banana plug to connect the speaker should it also be a banana plug at the receiver end?
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited October 2007
    Does not matter in the slightest.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited October 2007
    banana's are really only for convenience more than anything.

    they don't improve or degrade the sound.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited October 2007
    I like bananas.
    Never Forget
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited October 2007
    So does Grape Ape.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited October 2007
    I like good nanners.
    Cheapies suck!
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • ABX
    ABX Posts: 109
    edited October 2007
    bronxkid wrote: »
    I'm connecting my first audio system so I apologize if this is a silly question. Anyways, I'm connecting 2 Polk rti8's and a csi5 to my onkyo 605 receiver. I was wondering if I use banana plug to connect the speaker should it also be a banana plug at the receiver end?
    I think the best speaker wire connector is no connector.
    Unless I was constantly plugging and unplugging my equipment, why use any connectors at all ?
    Why not just hook the bare wire to the terminals ?
    Sometimes we are forced to use bananas or spade connectors due to using really big wire.
    Big wire is only necessary with low impedance speakers in long runs.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2007
    Oxidation.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • ABX
    ABX Posts: 109
    edited October 2007
    Face wrote: »
    Oxidation.
    Trim the wire every year ?
    OR, train the electrons to jump over the oxidation.
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  • bronxkid
    bronxkid Posts: 21
    edited October 2007
    Thanks for the replies. I've decided to just get unterminated wiring. I know there's been discussion on some cables sold on online retailers (ie belden, etc), but I would like to get my system set up this weekend so I probably won't wait for delivery. Is about 0.50/foot sound right for decent cables? My room is small so 50ft should cover the 5.1 system. Also, other than gauge, oxygen free(?), what else should I look for? Do I have to look at twists/ft, thickness? I live close to bestbuy selling monster xpms 50ft for only $28. I think it's 16 gauge. Any comments on it?
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited October 2007
    I like to solder the ends, 1/2", of the speaker wires. It makes an excellent electric and mechanical connection as the soft solder gets deformed when tightened at the terminal.

    Also it's very easy to connect and reconnect.
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited October 2007
    Just get the lowest gauge or thickest Cu wire you can afford at any store to start.
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  • bronxkid
    bronxkid Posts: 21
    edited October 2007
    I decided to just wait a few extra days and get the belden 5000UE delivered from BJC. At least I know most people are happy with it.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,180
    edited October 2007
    Hey, I'm a little late to this thread but IME nanner's do make a slight change to the sound. Not the screw on type either, as I am not impressed with those. If you can get a hold of a decent quality plug and correctly solder them in with let's say Cardas Quad solder and add heat shrink tubing or stress relievers, not only are swapping things out easier but the sound can possibly improve depending on what components/IC's/PC's etc. that you have.

    Getting rid of the chance of oxidation as well as the improved [depending on the nanner] mechanical/electrical connection to the amp/speaker might end up being pleasing to your ears. So long as both hookups accept nanner's, then I would recommend B. to B..

    My .02cents......
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2007
    I'd recommend the non-solder type banana's.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    Get some of those new bananas they make over in the UK. What are they called? Signal Cable puts them on their cables. They are very secure and expand evenly within the speaker post (avoids single point connections.)
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  • couch21
    couch21 Posts: 13
    edited October 2007
    Unterminated for me... I like the purity of naked wire against bare metal.
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  • couch21
    couch21 Posts: 13
    edited October 2007
    Although any decent banana plug is going to resist oxidation quite well. GLS Audio plugs are pretty darn good.
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,664
    edited October 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I'd recommend the non-solder type banana's.

    +1 get my vote


    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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